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Topic: Steam Train Snow Day - Feb 17, 2018 (Read 1490 times)

We'll be running a special public and volunteer event on 2/17. Concurrent with the cutting activities along the Mountain Extension, public trains will be operating to TOM for snowshoeing, backcountry x-country skiing, and related winter fun. #9 will be under steam and our main motive power, too!

We all love Fred, but please don't cut down all the trees on that picturesque route down the mountain. Traveling through the deep woods along the dramatic hillside is what makes that portion of the right of way so special, IMHO.

We all love Fred, but please don't cut down all the trees on that picturesque route down the mountain. Traveling through the deep woods along the dramatic hillside is what makes that portion of the right of way so special, IMHO.

It would also serve as a good "fall color special" tunnel of leaves turning in fall.

We have to keep a large number of trees through this section because of its location in the Shoreland protected zone. There will be plenty of foliage to observe.

That said, I'm hoping that some thinning can occur so that in the summer months our visitors can see Trout Brook easily from the train as it meanders the mountain grade. Again, some areas this will not be possible due to the proximity of the brook to the ROW.

UPDATE – STEAM TRAIN SNOW DAYWe're making plans for a snow day at the railway on Saturday, February 17. Board the train at Sheepscot station between 10am and 2pm and we'll bring you to our 20+ acre field and forest at the Top of the Mountain. Bring your snowshoes, backcountry skis, or winter hiking gear and enjoy the Maine outdoors. Or, we'll be cutting trees and burning brush along our "Mountain Extension" – new volunteers are most welcome, and the bonfires will be sure to keep you warm. Check out the photos below for more details. Train fare will be $5.00 per person.

At the Top of the Mountain, trails have been marked for snowshoeing or hiking. With yesterday's fresh coat of 10" on top of the existing snow pack, the conditions should be excellent for winter fun.

Locomotive #9 will be all steamed up for your travel. Be sure to bring your camera as 'steam in the snow' is a visual that you'll want to capture. Rail-enthusiast photographers are welcome to join us, but note that we will not be making 'runbys' etc., and we ask that photographers honor our neighbors' private property.

One acre of former farmland has been cleared at the Top of the Mountain. Eventually this location will house a sawmill, a shingle mill, and other attractions to illustrate the era of the WW&F Railway. This winter, it would make a great location for a snowman!

A half-mile of trails at the Top of the Mountain wind through the forest. It's difficult to imagine that when the railroad operated 100 years ago, this was all open farmland.

At the end of the 'green' trail, you'll discover an abandoned camp. We ask that you do not enter this unmaintained building, and suspect that you will choose not once you peer inside. Instead, turn around and admire Trout Brook through the trees, some 20 feet below the overlook.

The end of the orange trail is the base of the valley which holds Trout Brook. Please do not attempt to cross the brook as there are no facilities or marked trails on the other side. Instead…

…admire its beauty.

Meanwhile, we'll be working on the railroad. Follow the railroad north on foot or through the backcountry on cross-country skis, and lend a hand as we clear the path along the Mountain Extension. There will be bonfires burning brush to keep us warm (and entertained.) Please dress appropriately should you want to participate in rebuilding Maine history.

At the days end, we'll bring you back to Sheepscot station after an enjoyable snow day on the railway.

A word of warning: Don't approach the burning brush piles wearing your good winter clothes. Burning embers will land on your clothes and burn holes. I remember throwing branches on the burn piles and noticing a smell that seemed like burning fabric - it was the hood of my (fortunately old) jacket!